Open Mics
Where to gig and what to expect
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Become a memberDo you tell the organiser what you're testing, or just do the set?
If I’m using an open mic to test one specific change — new opener, shorter setup, different order — is there any value in mentioning that to whoever’s running the night, or is that just unnecessary context they don’t need? I’m leaning towards keeping it to myself unless I’m actually asking for feedback. Otherwise I can see “I’m trying something new” becoming a tiny pre-emptive excuse before I’ve even gone on.
Do you keep a separate five for open mics, or keep feeding new material into it?
I’ve got a five that’s reliable enough now that I could probably keep taking it out unchanged, which is comforting but not especially useful forever. Do you keep one dependable short set for nights where you mainly want stage time, then test new stuff elsewhere? Or do you keep replacing a minute at a time so the five never becomes completely fixed? I’m trying to find the point between actually developing material and turning every open mic into five minutes of experiments.
What information should an open mic give you before you apply?
I keep thinking performer listings would save everyone time if the boring stuff was obvious before you put your name down. Set length, whether there’s a bringer, how spots are allocated, roughly when you’ll hear back, and whether it’s actually new-act friendly. What’s the one thing you want to know before applying that nights most often leave vague? I’d rather have a plain accurate listing than three paragraphs telling me the room has a great vibe.
If a night has a bringer rule, do you want that stated before you apply?
I think the useful version of a bringer night is boringly clear about it: how many people, whether they have to stay, and whether it applies to every spot. The annoying version is finding out after you’ve already arranged the evening. If you’re deciding whether to apply for an open mic, does a bringer requirement put you off automatically, or is it mainly the surprise/ambiguity that bothers you?
Do you watch the acts before you, or protect your own headspace?
I’m torn on this at open mics. Watching the room feels useful because you can hear what kind of energy people are giving back, but if I watch five acts closely I start second-guessing my own set — especially if somebody covers a vaguely similar subject. Do you pay attention right up until you’re called, or deliberately switch off a couple of acts before your spot?
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How many spots ahead do you book when you're trying to gig regularly?
I’m trying to get more consistent without turning the calendar into a hostage situation. If I only book week by week, the useful nights are often full. If I book loads a month ahead, I end up with three late ones in four days and regret every decision I’ve made. Do people keep a rough number of gigs booked ahead, or just grab good spots when they appear and sort the diary afterwards?
When should you tell an open mic you can’t make your spot?
Curious what people think is reasonable here. Stuff happens and nobody expects a new act to have a tour manager, but a late cancellation can leave a running order with a hole in it. If you realise you can’t make an open mic, is the rule basically tell the organiser the second you know? And if it’s genuinely last-minute, is a short message enough or should you explain what happened?
How early do you arrive for an open mic when you don't know the room?
I keep getting the timing wrong. Too early and I spend an hour getting more nervous; too late and I’m trying to find the sign-up person while taking my coat off. If it’s a room you’ve never done before, how much time do you actually want before the show starts? And what are you checking when you get there — running order, mic setup, where the light is, anything else?
Do you practise holding the mic before your first open mic?
Possibly an embarrassingly basic question, but I’m more worried about looking awkward with the mic than forgetting the jokes. At home I’m rehearsing into absolutely nothing, so I’ve no idea what I’ll do with my other hand or how close the mic should actually be. Did anyone practise with a hairbrush/remote/whatever before their first gig, or am I creating a problem that disappears the second you get on stage?
Best open mic nights in London for absolute beginners?
Just started out and looking for welcoming spots in London where I won't get eaten alive. Any recommendations for beginner-friendly nights?